Bayern Munich got their Champions League group stage campaign off to a perfect start on Wednesday, easing to a 2-0 win over Inter at San Siro.

Call that a statement win.

Bayern Munich began the process of putting last season's European disappointment behind them against Inter with a firm suggestion that year two under Julian Nagelsmann might be different.

Less arrogance, more substance.

Bayern Munich pinned back the black-and-blue shirts in their own half in front of their own fans with a ruthless high press. Only one goal came in the opening period – with Leroy Sane beating debutant Andre Onana – it could have, and probably should have been more, with Bayern firing off 14 shots.

Eventually, the second goal did come, with Sane playing a key role again to double his side's advantage midway through the second half.

An ideal beginning in one of the toughest groups this year.

GettyThe Winners

Leroy Sane:

No one at Bayern Munich will be as desperate as Sane to regain the Champions League title this season.

Now 26 and entering his prime years, the forward is out to prove that he made the right decision in agitating to leave Manchester City years ago.

Sane's Champions League campaign could not have got off to a better start, with the forward taking Joshua Kimmich's lofted pass down beautifully and finishing with ice-cold composure. He then forced the second with his intelligent movement.

Marcel Sabitzer:

Isn't it amazing what can happen if you give a new signing a little time to bed in?

Last season Sabitzer was dismissed as another Bayern signing made for the sake it, doomed to be lost in the midfield shuffle for all eternity. Tonight, he looked like the game-changing player we came to know and love during his time at RB Leipzig.

The Austrian buzzed around endlessly, strangling the Inter midfielder and allowing the visitors to dominate proceedings. In possession, he wasn't half bad either, and would have finished with a goal or assist on another day.

Julian Nagelsmann:

The main fuel critics of Nagelsmann have at their disposal is his poor Champions League performance last season.

The young coach is looking to put this right this term and this tactical display will go some way to addressing his doubters. Throughout proceedings, Nagelsmann's charges hunted in packs, making a usually-assured Inter side look extremely uncomfortable at points.

There are more tough tests to come for Nagelsmann in the group and beyond, but tonight can definitely be chalked up as a victory in more ways than one.

He emphasised his basics, the tactical bedrock he's known for, and it worked.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Samir Handanovic:

Simone Inzaghi opted to hand Andre Onana his long-awaited Inter debut between the sticks here, with incumbent No. 1 Handanovic dropping to the bench.

And over the course of 90 minutes Onana massively strengthened his case to become the Nerrazzurri's first-choice goalie, making 10 saves and keeping his side in it during the first half.

Handanovic always knew that the Cameroonian would usurp him eventually, and performances like this suggest the change will happen sooner rather than later.

Serge Gnabry & Jamal Musiala:

Competition for places in Bayern's front four is ludicrously intense, though that will not soften the blow of being dropped.

Still, there is plenty of time for Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala to work their way back into the starting line-up, as they've repeatedly showed Nagelsmann their qualities since the start of last term.

Danilo D'Ambrosio:

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

No one likes scoring own goals, but D'Ambrosio's was particularly embarrassing, with the 33-year-old stumbling into his own net after making a hash of clearing Sane's shot.

Not only did the defender endure a 'You've Been Framed' moment, he also looked pretty sluggish from start to finish.

Getty ImagesBayern Munich Ratings: Defence

Manuel Neuer (6/10):

Very little for the veteran to do. Swept up a few loose balls confidently.

Benjamin Pavard (7/10):

A dependable shift on the right-side of defence. Nothing too flashy.

Matthijs de Ligt (6/10):

Booked for a clumsy lunge just before the break. His passing was a highlight.

Lucas Hernandez (5/10):

Guilty of some heinous ball-watching early on. Settled down before letting his concentration lapse, which nearly gifted Inter a goal.

Alphonso Davies (7/10):

Pushed forward as he always does and stung Onana's palms with a decent effort in the first half.

Getty ImagesMidfield

Joshua Kimmich (7/10):

Set up Sane for the opener with a trademark lobbed pass. Ran the game for his side, collecting the ball from his centre-backs and distributing masterfully.

Marcel Sabitzer (8/10):

Did not give the Inter midfield a moment's rest. Sprayed some delicious passes out wide too.

Thomas Muller (7/10):

The heartbeat of much of Bayern's promising link-up play. Lacked his useful clinical edge in front of goal.